Yasemin Artunc / Mynet Special – Gülhane Training and Research Hospital (GATA) Intensive Care and Internal Diseases Specialist and Scientific Committee Member Prof. Dr. Levent Yamanel made special statements to Mynet.com. Spreading 70 times faster than the Delta variant, Omicron continues to be influential in our country as well as in the world. So far we have faced Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, Omicron variants. prof. Dr. Yamanel stressed that we should be careful about Omicron’s BA.2 subgroup.
DO YOU HAVE A PREDICTION ABOUT THE PASSING TIME OF THE OMICRON WAVE?
The Omicron variant is more contagious and spreading than any variant ever created. Therefore, the end of the Omicron wave will most likely depend on the emergence of a new variant that will become dominant in the world.
CAN A NEW VARIANT Arise AFTER OMICRON? IS THE NEW VARIANT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE IMPACT OF COVID-19?
Of course, new variants can develop. There is a possibility that new variants that will occur after Omicron worsen the COVID-19 clinic, as well as much better clinical pictures. It may even disappear completely after new mutations.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE REMINDER DOSES BE DONE? WHEN SHOULD ESPECIALLY BE VACCINE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WHO HAVE PASSED THE VIRUS?
We do not have clear studies on how often reminder doses should be given. With the current information, antibody levels seem to decrease to minimum levels in 3-6 months in both those who have the disease and those who are vaccinated. For this reason, protective doses should be recommended by scientists considering these periods.
WHAT ARE YOUR ADVICE ON MASK USE? SHOULD WE WEAR A MASK OUTDOORS?
The Omicron variant, especially the BA.2 subgroup of Omicron, is very contagious indeed. For this reason, we must comply with mask-distance and hygiene measures at the maximum level. If there is a crowded environment, I recommend wearing a mask in open areas.